Smart ticket systems allowing tram passengers to scan themselves on and off the Metrolink system are being rolled out to more travellers across Greater Manchester.

The 'get me there' system is now available to more than half-a-million people after a trial run of 3,500 users began testing it.

Since July the first group of trialists have been touching in and touching out using their concessionary travel cards on special readers at the start and end of their tram journeys, instead of carrying cash or buying tickets on the go.

Concessionary pass holders can now use the get me there service too, which will be fully launched in 2015.

He said: “We have successfully begun the introduction of get me there and this latest step marks a significant milestone in creating an easy and seamless way of paying for and using public transport”.

He said TfGM planned to open get me there up to all paying customers on Metrolink in stages during the spring and summer next year before it is rolled out across the region's buses and trains over the next few years.